New Post
Search
Help[Opinions] African-American section
I don't like the fact that there is an African-American section on this website. The names in the section are usually called trashy and ghetto. Yes, a lot of the names there are not the best, but I feel that there is a deeper meaning to the comments.
Archived Thread - replies disabled
1
Replies
This is a waste of our time and energy.
By replying extremely aggressively to every single post, and by absolutely refusing to entertain any logical counter-argument, I think we can conclude that you wanted to start a fight and have it turn into this great big full-page back-and-forth. That's sad to me. Sad because a truly interesting discussion could have been had on this topic. Sad because you're alienating what can be a very stimulating community. Sad because by responding this way we can't be certain that your story is even true, because it has all the earmarks of trolling. I would have loved for a person with your (alleged) background to calmly, reasonably and persuasively show us what life has been like for you, and how changing this website classification could have improved the way the people of this world think about and treat each other.
By replying extremely aggressively to every single post, and by absolutely refusing to entertain any logical counter-argument, I think we can conclude that you wanted to start a fight and have it turn into this great big full-page back-and-forth. That's sad to me. Sad because a truly interesting discussion could have been had on this topic. Sad because you're alienating what can be a very stimulating community. Sad because by responding this way we can't be certain that your story is even true, because it has all the earmarks of trolling. I would have loved for a person with your (alleged) background to calmly, reasonably and persuasively show us what life has been like for you, and how changing this website classification could have improved the way the people of this world think about and treat each other.
1
You're right
Kitandkat is a troll and Violet Rose is a troll and I've been feeding the trolls. I just didn't realize they were trolls until now.
Kitandkat is a troll and Violet Rose is a troll and I've been feeding the trolls. I just didn't realize they were trolls until now.
1
Seriously? I thought you were doing it on purpose for a laugh.
It's a classic case of trolling, I don't get why the mods haven't locked the thread.
It's a classic case of trolling, I don't get why the mods haven't locked the thread.
1
Your time? Your energy? Who forced you to come on this post? Please. You think I'm trolling? Good for you.
1
Don't mind her, she's pretentious as fuck, just look away and pretend you don't notice when she throws tantrums like that, it'll only encourage her
Oh and btw Rebecca, if you read this, maybe quit being so rude to people about their ideas? Jesus Christ
Oh and btw Rebecca, if you read this, maybe quit being so rude to people about their ideas? Jesus Christ
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 7:20 PM
1
Too late
You said her child was homely and the name Theodora is hideous. It was the remark about the child that was really beyond the pale.
You said her child was homely and the name Theodora is hideous. It was the remark about the child that was really beyond the pale.
1
I mean technically I said unattractive not hideous but hey
1
Wow. You are without a doubt the most needlessly rude, the most needlessly belligerent person I have ever seen here. You deserve to be banned for a time.
I'm done with this. I'm blocking this website tomorrow.
I'm done with this. I'm blocking this website tomorrow.
1
Can I make a suggestion?
Rather than complaining here, why don't you contact Mike c who is the admin here
Rather than complaining here, why don't you contact Mike c who is the admin here
1
I wasn't complaining. I was just asking. The website can and should do whatever they want.
1
So we should get rid of an entire section just because you think the names will be ridiculed? That’s ridiculous.
1
1.) They're already being ridiculed
2.) Why isn't there a European-American or Asian-American section?
3.) ALL of the names are called GHETTO. Only the names on this section are called GHETTO. Put 2 and 2 together.
2.) Why isn't there a European-American or Asian-American section?
3.) ALL of the names are called GHETTO. Only the names on this section are called GHETTO. Put 2 and 2 together.
1
...because Asian-Americans typically use either an English name (I saw a BA for an Asian baby named Kashton), or a name from whichever Asian culture they came from (I saw a BA for an Asian baby named Moo [which may be Korean, Thai, or Malaysian]). It's not a trait of Asian-American culture to make up new names the way it is for African Americans (Asian Americans know which country they're from, which is not often the case with African Americans).
Do you think taking the "African-American" usage off the site will stop people from calling AA names "ghetto"? Because if someone thinks Tanisha (or whatever) is "ghetto", they're going to think that whether BtN has it labled as African American or not.
1
I for one know a Tanisha, and she is white as hell XD idk why people always jump to assumptions
1
I just picked a random name off the African American list; if you check the comments on many of these names you'll find "This is my name and I'm white" or similar.
1
iirc, the name Jonquil- literally the name of a flower- has like, three separate comments at least calling it ghetto. so yeah, while labeling a name as African American helps create that impression to racists (since they're automatically put off by that), they already have ridiculous notions of what that is.
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 2:05 PM
1
Check the names Tory(1) and Tory(2). The Tory labeled African-American is rated at 44% and the Tory labeled English is 52%. Care to explain?
1
The explanation is some people are racist. But to deny that African-American names exist and to deny that they should be categorized so as to avoid seeing racist remarks solves nothing.
1
Because people are racist. But BtN correctly labeling African-American names as African-American is not going to stop the racism rampant on the Internet.
1
Yeah, here's your explanation:
The ratings are not the view of the website. They are voted on by people. You can go and vote on it right now.
You may have noticed this, but some people are racist! And some people might just think Tory is a bad name for any other reason. Maybe they think it's too feminine for a man. Maybe the Tor sound makes them think of the dark web. Maybe it reminds them of their ex. Maybe they don't like that it rhymes with Snore-y. Maybe they have an irrational dislike of the letter T. Could be anything.
Honestly don't know what you want at this point.
The ratings are not the view of the website. They are voted on by people. You can go and vote on it right now.
You may have noticed this, but some people are racist! And some people might just think Tory is a bad name for any other reason. Maybe they think it's too feminine for a man. Maybe the Tor sound makes them think of the dark web. Maybe it reminds them of their ex. Maybe they don't like that it rhymes with Snore-y. Maybe they have an irrational dislike of the letter T. Could be anything.
Honestly don't know what you want at this point.
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 1:10 PM
1
There is no need for the African-American section to exist.There's already an American section. Why don't you just put it there?
1
They already are part of the American section: https://www.behindthename.com/names/usage/american
But it also a completely separate culture that has it's own naming styles and it deserves to have it's own usage.
And I'm not even in charge of the main database.
But it also a completely separate culture that has it's own naming styles and it deserves to have it's own usage.
And I'm not even in charge of the main database.
1
They have no connection to African culture. They are purely made up American names.
1
Yes, they're connected to African-American culture, which is separate from both African culture and American culture. It's it's own thing.
Look:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_culture
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_names
The category isn't going anywhere. Let it go.
Look:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_culture
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_names
The category isn't going anywhere. Let it go.
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 1:44 PM
1
That's cool. I really wasn't trying to change anything. I was just stating my opinion(which is what Name Opinions message board is for). But you came and asked me what I wanted. I was just voicing my opinion l, that's all. I'm truly sorry if I came off the wrong way to you.
1
Why does it have African in it?
1
African Americans have a naming style that’s entirely unique to them, which is why these names have their own section on BtN. If Keshia was only listed as American racists most likely would still have negative things to say about it because it’s mostly used among African Americans.
1
Are you really this obtuse?
It has the word "African" in it because African-Americans exist. They exist and they are not the same as European-Americans or Asian-Americans or any other Whatever-Americans there are. One thing African-Americans have done, unlike other Whatever-Americans, is to create their own naming culture. And they did this as a reaction to centuries of bondage and discrimination. And if you want to ask why African-Americans did this as opposed to the other races and groups, it's because, while other races and groups have experienced discrimination in America, none other have experienced it for so long a time and to the degree that African-Americans have.
So some people are racist and some people see an African-American name and automatically think "ghetto" and "trashy." They do this because they are racist. They are. The names in and of themselves are not racist, and those who categorize the names are not racist.
It actually shows a lack of respect for African-American culture to insist that there is no such thing as an African-American name and/or insist that they shouldn't be categorized as such.
If you are really offended, then you should target the correct people, the people making the racist "ghetto" and "trashy" statements. What you are doing is akin to arguing that all blacks should be moved back to Africa so that whites won't be tempted to act racist towards them.
It has the word "African" in it because African-Americans exist. They exist and they are not the same as European-Americans or Asian-Americans or any other Whatever-Americans there are. One thing African-Americans have done, unlike other Whatever-Americans, is to create their own naming culture. And they did this as a reaction to centuries of bondage and discrimination. And if you want to ask why African-Americans did this as opposed to the other races and groups, it's because, while other races and groups have experienced discrimination in America, none other have experienced it for so long a time and to the degree that African-Americans have.
So some people are racist and some people see an African-American name and automatically think "ghetto" and "trashy." They do this because they are racist. They are. The names in and of themselves are not racist, and those who categorize the names are not racist.
It actually shows a lack of respect for African-American culture to insist that there is no such thing as an African-American name and/or insist that they shouldn't be categorized as such.
If you are really offended, then you should target the correct people, the people making the racist "ghetto" and "trashy" statements. What you are doing is akin to arguing that all blacks should be moved back to Africa so that whites won't be tempted to act racist towards them.
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 2:11 PM
1
Sorry if you got that. That's not my point. My point is that I just don't think it should be associated with Africa since the names aren't from African names. You really didn't have to insult me to get your point through.
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 2:58 PM
1
The names are not associated with Africa, and nobody on this site says they are. They are associated with African-Americans. If the correct term for African-Americans did not include the word "African", then the title of the name category would not include it, either.
1
The term Black Americans could be used. Anyways, this message board wasn't to get something changed. I was just stating my opinion.
1
I agree that it's confusing, how usage and origin are distinguished on this website. It's not obvious that that is what's up. Like if you go to the Browse Names page, and look at the list of "Usage," there's no "African-American" listed. But there's an African (languages) list. There's not even an "American" listed. The reason is because that list is really origins, like linguistic or etymological - not usages.
African-American is supposed to refer to usage, not language of origin. That's supposed to be true of all the other usages marked on the individual name pages too, but it's probably a little inconsistent. Like, Mila is not marked as a French usage - but it was the sixth most popular name in France in 2016, so it really should be. But just because a name is listed as one usage, doesn't mean that other usages are excluded (many names listed African-American have been used by both black and non-black Americans).
The usage category is called "African-American" just because that's currently the term that seems to be preferred. It could as well be Black American.
African-American is supposed to refer to usage, not language of origin. That's supposed to be true of all the other usages marked on the individual name pages too, but it's probably a little inconsistent. Like, Mila is not marked as a French usage - but it was the sixth most popular name in France in 2016, so it really should be. But just because a name is listed as one usage, doesn't mean that other usages are excluded (many names listed African-American have been used by both black and non-black Americans).
The usage category is called "African-American" just because that's currently the term that seems to be preferred. It could as well be Black American.
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 3:46 PM
1
Thank you.
1
Ghetto? Do you think that's all that's wrong with it? Go check the comments for yourself.
1
Why aren't you arguing with those people? Why don't you hit racism where it exists instead of hitting the people who know that not being racist doesn't mean you're blind to race?
1
What's the point? You don't have to come at me. I was just stating my opinion.
1
The point is that you seem to object to the practice of categorizing African-American names because it brings out the racism in racists, yet instead of that making you angry at the racists, you complain to the people who categorized the names. Not literally, in that I don't think that anyone who has responded to you had a literal hand in categorizing the names, but you are targeting the site.
I think it's useful to point this out to you. That's the reason I've responded.
I think it's useful to point this out to you. That's the reason I've responded.
1
1.) I was stating MY opinion, not targeting the site
2.) No, it's not useful to point this out to me. Thanks fot caring, anyways
3.) Again, missing the point.I don't like it because it wrongly associated with Africa, even though the names(except Shaniqua) are not from any African languages. They're just prefixes like -la and -de added to French, Spanish or Russian names, or different spellings of those names. There is nothing African in those names.
2.) No, it's not useful to point this out to me. Thanks fot caring, anyways
3.) Again, missing the point.I don't like it because it wrongly associated with Africa, even though the names(except Shaniqua) are not from any African languages. They're just prefixes like -la and -de added to French, Spanish or Russian names, or different spellings of those names. There is nothing African in those names.
1
This, "I object only to the use of the word 'African' because the names are not African" cry you've taken up now is totally not what you said when you started this thread.
You said:
I don't like the fact that there is an African-American section on this website. The names in the section are usually called trashy and ghetto. Yes, a lot of the names there are not the best, but I feel that there is a deeper meaning to the comments.
ALL of the names are called GHETTO. Only the names on this section are called GHETTO. Put 2 and 2 together.
Check the names Tory(1) and Tory(2). The Tory labeled African-American is rated at 44% and the Tory labeled English is 52%. Care to explain?
Then you changed your tune because you were being backed into a corner. But the fact that you changed your tune means it was useful to point all of this out to you, I guess.
You said:
I don't like the fact that there is an African-American section on this website. The names in the section are usually called trashy and ghetto. Yes, a lot of the names there are not the best, but I feel that there is a deeper meaning to the comments.
ALL of the names are called GHETTO. Only the names on this section are called GHETTO. Put 2 and 2 together.
Check the names Tory(1) and Tory(2). The Tory labeled African-American is rated at 44% and the Tory labeled English is 52%. Care to explain?
Then you changed your tune because you were being backed into a corner. But the fact that you changed your tune means it was useful to point all of this out to you, I guess.
1
about Tory
"Check the names Tory(1) and Tory(2). The Tory labeled African-American is rated at 44% and the Tory labeled English is 52%. Care to explain?"
Was this edited out? I haven't seen it in the thread. I haven't read the whole thing, though...
Anyway, I'd guess the lower rating for the Tory listed as African-American has more to do with gender; it's a NN for Salvatore. When I was growing up, the only other (than me) Tory I knew was actually a black guy, but most people think of it as feminine because Victoria's much more common than Salvatore.
Names used for guys that are perceived as feminine are not widely popular.
"Check the names Tory(1) and Tory(2). The Tory labeled African-American is rated at 44% and the Tory labeled English is 52%. Care to explain?"
Was this edited out? I haven't seen it in the thread. I haven't read the whole thing, though...
Anyway, I'd guess the lower rating for the Tory listed as African-American has more to do with gender; it's a NN for Salvatore. When I was growing up, the only other (than me) Tory I knew was actually a black guy, but most people think of it as feminine because Victoria's much more common than Salvatore.
Names used for guys that are perceived as feminine are not widely popular.
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 4:39 PM
1
No, it's still there, in response to irene above:
https://www.behindthename.com/bb/baby/4938865
https://www.behindthename.com/bb/baby/4938865
1
If they were called American and ghetto, I wouldn't really care. But as I am African, I don't know why these names(that are labelled as ghetto) are being associated with Africa. That was my entire point.
1
No, it wasn't, but okay.
1
I like the fact that you just tried to explain to me what I myself was thinking, like you were in my brain But you so got it so very wrong. Stop trying to assume already.
1
I'm not assuming anything. I know what you were thinking from your own words. If your only concern from the get-go was that the names have the word "African" within their category title when they are not African, then care to explain why you said what I quoted?
1
I said that because the names being called ghetto and rated low have African(African-American) in it, and I am African. There's already enough bad things people say about Africa without this being added to it.
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 3:40 PM
1
American racists are racists whether the term is "African-American" or "black". American racists think anything African is inferior no matter what it's called. Again, your quarrel is with white American racists, not with the term African-American.
1
That's where you're wrong. A lot of African-Americans insult and degrade Africans too, not just white Americans.
1
A lot of white Americans insult and degrade Europe and Europeans. We love ourselves here lol.
Bottom line, you don't have the right to decide what African-Americans are called.
Bottom line, you don't have the right to decide what African-Americans are called.
1
Assuming again, aren't we? I never said I had the right. Of course, African-Americans are called that because they are descended from Africans.But the names are not from African names, which is a fact. Bottom line.
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 3:53 PM
1
If you don't think you have the right, then why did you bring it up? If you don't think you have the right, then why did you take the site to task for the category?
"Assume" is your favorite word. Any time I address what you say, I'm "assuming".
There's no having a rational discussion with someone like you, therefore, I am done.
"Assume" is your favorite word. Any time I address what you say, I'm "assuming".
There's no having a rational discussion with someone like you, therefore, I am done.
1
I was stating my OPINION. Know what that means? I was asking a QUESTION, just looking for someone to EXPLAIN. Lol. Just because it's not going your way, you think it's not rational.
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 3:59 PM
1
Also, there's no way you were only looking for someone to EXPLAIN, lol, because you have had multiple EXPLANATIONS, and all you've done is argue with them. Next time you want someone to EXPLAIN, then please accept the explanations.
1
The reason I argue is because their explanations don't add up. If you asked someone to explain something to you, but it didn't add up, would you accept it? Lol.
1
They add up perfectly. You just have a bad case of last-word-itis. But now you've run into someone who used to have a bad case herself, but mostly got over it, but who still allows it to rear its ugly head now and then. How old are you?
1
Are you even African or African-American?
1
Nope. That's why I don't try to tell Africans or African-Americans what's okay to call themselves.
1
Sooo, why exactly is this even your business? You obviously don't live the experiences of Africans or African-Americans, so why are you talking on behalf of them? By the way, I was talking about the NAMES, not themselves. If you're going to argue, get it right.
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 4:27 PM
1
It's my business because you made the post. How is it your business?
I am not speaking "on behalf of" African-Americans. It is a fact that "African-American" is what most of them want to be called. If tomorrow they decide they want to be called something else, it would not be my place to argue with it.
Yes, I know you were speaking about the names, but the names are called African-American because they are created by and used by predominately African-Americans, and the "African" part of that title is supposedly what motivated you to post, so the fact that the group is termed African-American is relevant to the discussion.
I am not speaking "on behalf of" African-Americans. It is a fact that "African-American" is what most of them want to be called. If tomorrow they decide they want to be called something else, it would not be my place to argue with it.
Yes, I know you were speaking about the names, but the names are called African-American because they are created by and used by predominately African-Americans, and the "African" part of that title is supposedly what motivated you to post, so the fact that the group is termed African-American is relevant to the discussion.
1
It's my business for the same exact reason. You said it is a fact: where is the evidence? Show me a poll, or some proof.
1
There has been no poll for over ten years. When there was one, more wanted to be called African-American as opposed to black than wanted to be called black as opposed to African-American, and the majority didn't care. But that was ten years ago, so no telling what's changed.
What's incontrovertibly true is that African-American is a more commonly used term in 2018 than is black. Not that it's any of your business.
What's incontrovertibly true is that African-American is a more commonly used term in 2018 than is black. Not that it's any of your business.
1
I'll say this again. Where is the proof? Until I see that, there is no base to your statements.
1
What difference does it make? "African-American" is a commonly used term in the United States, and there are few African-Americans objecting to it. The point is you don't get to dictate what they are called.
1
You are avoiding the fact that you don't have proof. And get this: I.AM.NOT.DICTATING.WHAT.PEOPLE.SHOULD.CALL.THEMSELVES. I am stating my opinion. Dictate is a very strong word, as you should know.
1
Projection. It wasn't going your way, so now you're backtracking, over-explaining, and twisting yourself into knots.
1
Lol, I thought you were done? I love the way you said "someone like me" even though you don't know squat about me.
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 4:05 PM
1
I know the way that you argue from your posts in this thread, and that was all that I meant by "someone like you".
1
Kit this is borderline racist. Honestly. The names are labeled AA because most people using them are African-American. There are also names used mostly with white Americans and I’d be fine with calling them “European American.”
1
No, I am not being racist. Thank you for assuming that. Second of all, go make a European American section then. The reason for my comment earlier is because I am tired of people being put in boxes. "Oh, why do you have a white girl name?" These names are stereotypes. I'm tired of hearing that my name sounds "white" and I should have a name like Shaniqua just because I'm black.
1
So let's say an American of European descent, for some reason, is given the name Guillaume. People are surprised when they meet him because few American boys have French names. Some people ask him, "Why do you have a French name?"
Does that mean people are being put into boxes or that a French boy having a French name is just a stereotype or that there shouldn't be a French name category on BtN?
Does that mean people are being put into boxes or that a French boy having a French name is just a stereotype or that there shouldn't be a French name category on BtN?
1
*sigh* How does this have anything to do with what I said?
1
You objected to being asked why you have a "white girl" name. You seem to think that being asked that is denigrating to your race, culture, and name. But it's not more so than an American being asked why he has a French name is denigrating to either French or American culture. It's just not what people expect.
1
"It's not just what people expect."
People expecting or not expecting is not an excuse. Why I have my name is none of their business.
People expecting or not expecting is not an excuse. Why I have my name is none of their business.
1
I didn't say it was an excuse or any of their business. "Why do you have this name?" can be considered rude under any circumstances. I was only pointing out that the reason behind the question is more innocent than you think, even if it's rude to ask the question.
1
Bottom line, they should mind their business. I honestly don't know why you think you should defend them when you didn't know what they were thinking at the time. Did you know if it was "innocent" or not? No, because you weren't there.
1
And did you ask them why they said what they did, and did they answer, "Because I'm a racist and I like to put people in boxes and make stereotypes out of them"? If not, then you are assuming.
The context in which you brought it up made it clear that you thought it was denigrating to you to be asked that question, and my point was simply that it is not necessarily so.
The context in which you brought it up made it clear that you thought it was denigrating to you to be asked that question, and my point was simply that it is not necessarily so.
1
THAT.DOES.NOT.EXCUSE.WHAT.THEY.SAID. Is that clear enough for you? Case closed.
1
THAT. IS. NOT. THE. POINT. Is that clear to you? The point is what motivated you to bring it up.
1
Motivated me. Lol. Are you a psychologist or something?
1
Oh I forgot. Only those with Ph.Ds are familiar with the word "motivate".
1
That's not the point, genius. The point is that you are trying to read my mind. I'm sure this is news to you: you are not a mind reader. You are not a white knight either.
1
I don't need to be a mind reader. You said yourself why you brought it up. Because you think that when people ask the question, they are thinking in stereotypes and putting people in boxes. I don't agree that that is necessarily the case.
1
Having an "African-American" section isn't saying "African Americans can ONLY USE THESE!", it's saying "You're more likely to find these names on an African-American person"-- it's a usage category. It'd be surprising to meet a white woman named Nikeisha; it wouldn't be surprising on a black woman because Nikeisha is an African American name.
It's just like, it'd be surprising to meet a black woman, or a white woman, named Junko. It wouldn't be surprising to meet a Japanese woman named Junko, because it's a Japanese name. That's why it's listed as Japanese on this site.
I'm sorry people in your life don't grasp that, but we're not the ones you should be mad at.
It's just like, it'd be surprising to meet a black woman, or a white woman, named Junko. It wouldn't be surprising to meet a Japanese woman named Junko, because it's a Japanese name. That's why it's listed as Japanese on this site.
I'm sorry people in your life don't grasp that, but we're not the ones you should be mad at.
1
What do you want?
1
Just put the names in the American section. There's no need to attach African to it, when they have no connection to Africa. Africa has nothing to do with these names.
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 1:29 PM
1
Africa has something to do with these names. They are part of a naming culture that was created by descendants of people who were brought as slaves from Africa. Today, because they are descended predominately from Africans, these people are called African-American, hence the names of their culture are called African-American.
Right now, names used mainly by European-Americans aren't categorized separately because European-Americans are the dominant group, both politically and numerically. That could change some day.
Right now, names used mainly by European-Americans aren't categorized separately because European-Americans are the dominant group, both politically and numerically. That could change some day.
1
That doesn't matter. It doesn't matter whether or not the names come from African languages. They were created by African-Americans, that's why they are called African-American names. They are not called African names, they are called African-American names. If African-Americans were called, instead, Blue Beanies, then these names would be called Blue Beanie names.
1
Again, the term Black American names could be used.
1
Except that for the fact that African-Americans, after being called "Negro" and "Colored" and then "Black" have now decided (most of them) that they want to be called African-Americans.
Fess up, you never cared that the names don't come from Africa. You were hurt by the racism that the names elicited, and your reaction was to deny that the names exist as a category. You're not the first person to do this and you won't be the last. There's no shame in having things explained to you, you don't have to change the subject to save face.
Fess up, you never cared that the names don't come from Africa. You were hurt by the racism that the names elicited, and your reaction was to deny that the names exist as a category. You're not the first person to do this and you won't be the last. There's no shame in having things explained to you, you don't have to change the subject to save face.
1
If that's what you want to believe, okay then. You're telling me to confess what I didn't believe in the first place. You assume a lot of things.
1
It's weird how you think erasure will solve racism.
1
Where did I write that "Hey delete this because I think it will solve racism!" You are just jumping to your own conclusions. I just don't think it should be associated with Africa,that's all.
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 1:51 PM
1
I really do understand your concern, seeing racist comments sucks. I have been on this site for a long time and they have always been here, long before African-American was a category. You’ve created a correlation in your head that people seeing the category as “African American” is making them say racist crap. Unfortunately, they would anyway.
Would you feel better about the category being called “Black American”? Because these names definitely deserve their own category just as any other culture does, and your harping on the word Africa doesn’t really make sense to me, so I’m wondering if you think changing the terminology would be better.
Would you feel better about the category being called “Black American”? Because these names definitely deserve their own category just as any other culture does, and your harping on the word Africa doesn’t really make sense to me, so I’m wondering if you think changing the terminology would be better.
1
That's cool. I just wanted to voice my opinion, that's all. I wasn't really looking for someone to change it. Rachel Shaina just assumed it.
1
1
That's because you asked me what I wanted. I was just stating my opinion, but you assumed that I wanted something else. You were pushing for something eles, so I answered your question.
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 3:06 PM
1
When I say "What do you want", you could say "I just want to state my opinion!" "I just want to be angry for no reason!"
Don't pin dumb nonsense on me.
Don't pin dumb nonsense on me.
1
Actually, you are getting angry with me. I was just voicing my opinion, but you interpreted it as anger. Sorry you thought that.
1
1
Because the names are not from African names(maybe except Shaniqua). All the rest are just prefixes added to Russian, French, Spanish, etc. names. You don't have to agree with me. That's just my opinion.
1
No one ever said African-American names are "from" African names.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_names
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_names
1
They could always be called Black American names. Calling them African-American implies that they are associated with Africa. But of course you don't have to do anything about it. I really didn't think that you would think that.
1
You'd better take this up with the African-Americans, all 37, 144, 350 of them.
Sometimes white Americans are called European-Americans, and I've never heard a European holler about it.
I think, because you're not African-American, that you don't get a say in what they are called and what their names are called.
Sometimes white Americans are called European-Americans, and I've never heard a European holler about it.
I think, because you're not African-American, that you don't get a say in what they are called and what their names are called.
1
Slapping a prefix onto a French name does not change the history of the name. I'm not talking about African-Americans being called African-Americans, I'm talking about names like Lashawn being called African-American names
1
I know you are, and it's been explained over and over to you why it's irrelevant whether or not the names come from Africa.
Basically, you don't like the term "African-American" applied to these names because you feel that the racism that European-Americans show towards African-Americans splashes over onto you as an African.
And the answer to that is still to attack the racism and not the name of the race. The racism is the problem, the name of the race is not.
Basically, you don't like the term "African-American" applied to these names because you feel that the racism that European-Americans show towards African-Americans splashes over onto you as an African.
And the answer to that is still to attack the racism and not the name of the race. The racism is the problem, the name of the race is not.
1
Kitandkat said she is black?
https://www.behindthename.com/bb/baby/4938856
https://www.behindthename.com/bb/baby/4938856
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 3:50 PM
1
She's now saying she is African, so I took that to mean African, not African-American.
1
Lol, what do you mean now? When did I ever say that I was African-American? Lemme guess, you assumed that didn't you?
1
No, earlier I assumed nothing. You just said you were black. That could mean African, African-American, or a person of African descent living anywhere in the world. I didn't know. Then later, i.e,. "now", you said "African", and I took that to mean not African-American, because if you were, you'd say, "African-American".
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 4:45 PM
1
Obviously you didn't read the post. Go read it again. I say African as well.
1
No, I am not being racist. Thank you for assuming that. Second of all, go make a European American section then. The reason for my comment earlier is because I am tired of people being put in boxes. "Oh, why do you have a white girl name?" These names are stereotypes. I'm tired of hearing that my name sounds "white" and I should have a name like Shaniqua just because I'm black.
No, you don't.
No, you don't.
1
Okay, I don't. What's your point exactly?
1
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 2:25 PM
1
Yeah, you're just going to have to get over this one.
There are some names that are used primarily or exclusively by African Americans. No where does it say "These names are trashy and ghetto". That's you. We're not going to pretend African American culture doesn't exist because you have a preconceived notion about names used in that culture.
There are some names that are used primarily or exclusively by African Americans. No where does it say "These names are trashy and ghetto". That's you. We're not going to pretend African American culture doesn't exist because you have a preconceived notion about names used in that culture.
1
yes
i would suggest though that there should a note among the comment guidelines advising people not to use words like trashy and ghetto, not to mock foreign names, etc.
i would suggest though that there should a note among the comment guidelines advising people not to use words like trashy and ghetto, not to mock foreign names, etc.
1
Exactly. A few anti-racist statements can go a long way.
1
No.
I could see moving the "Comments are left by users of this website. They are not checked for accuracy." to the top of the page and adding a disclaimer that they don't reflect the views of the website.
Still, just because something appears in print doesn't mean anyone but the author believes it.
It's still informative, to know that some people who'd comment on a name here, think it's "trashy" or "ghetto" or laughable or seems pathetic, or is "tacky" or "pretentious" or whatever. Someone might like to know such opinions exist. Letting people say them doesn't imply approval or agreement.
I could see moving the "Comments are left by users of this website. They are not checked for accuracy." to the top of the page and adding a disclaimer that they don't reflect the views of the website.
Still, just because something appears in print doesn't mean anyone but the author believes it.
It's still informative, to know that some people who'd comment on a name here, think it's "trashy" or "ghetto" or laughable or seems pathetic, or is "tacky" or "pretentious" or whatever. Someone might like to know such opinions exist. Letting people say them doesn't imply approval or agreement.
This message was edited 6/19/2018, 11:46 AM
1
i'm not saying that it implies approval of any kind. more that hearing these opinions are far more hurtful than helpful. i doubt hearing "this name sounds ghetto literally just because it has a sh sound" is something anyone wants to hear about their name, their baby's potential name, etc. african american names are mocked enough as is.
providing that guideline (saying that to mean a serious suggestion, not a punishable offense-unless it's incredibly malicious), also helps serve this site's purpose. that is, to educate people about the etymology of names. asking to please refrain from mocking names of other cultures, consider the weight of mocking them, helps remind people that these names are, well, names. more often than not with complex meanings and histories.
a lot of people who use words like "ghetto" don't even realize they're being racist. suggesting not to use that word because, well, it is racist, makes people stop and think.
when i was younger, i made a crass comment on the religious meaning of one name (i was an edgy atheist who didn't fully realize that it didn't give me the right to look down on religions i wasn't raised with). a while later, i noticed that my comment got deleted. though i had grown up a bit by then, it still made that made me realize "oh, that was wrong of me to say", on another level. granted, i was a tween, but i think plenty of adults who make these comments can also rethink their values if it's brought to their attention.
providing that guideline (saying that to mean a serious suggestion, not a punishable offense-unless it's incredibly malicious), also helps serve this site's purpose. that is, to educate people about the etymology of names. asking to please refrain from mocking names of other cultures, consider the weight of mocking them, helps remind people that these names are, well, names. more often than not with complex meanings and histories.
a lot of people who use words like "ghetto" don't even realize they're being racist. suggesting not to use that word because, well, it is racist, makes people stop and think.
when i was younger, i made a crass comment on the religious meaning of one name (i was an edgy atheist who didn't fully realize that it didn't give me the right to look down on religions i wasn't raised with). a while later, i noticed that my comment got deleted. though i had grown up a bit by then, it still made that made me realize "oh, that was wrong of me to say", on another level. granted, i was a tween, but i think plenty of adults who make these comments can also rethink their values if it's brought to their attention.
1
yes
1
This.
1